Top player takes his position at top of the sport very seriously

By Jess Koehler

Published 12:13 am, Sunday, April 13, 2014

Paul Rabil has become the face of professional lacrosse over the course of his career.

The former Johns Hopkins All-American plays for the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse. He was a two-time NCAA champ with the Blue Jays and was drafted first overall by the Cannons in the 2008 MLL Draft.

On Saturday, Boston traveled to Schenectady for its second weekend of training camp. The Cannons scrimmaged the Rochester Rattlers Saturday evening at Union College and will practice from 8:30-10 a.m. Sunday at Union.

Q: Are you looking forward to giving local lacrosse fans and players an opportunity to see you guys this weekend?

A: It's great every time we get a chance to come out and play in front of the local community and showcase our talents.

Q: Lacrosse is the fastest growing team sport in the country. Why do you think there's been such an increase in kids taking an interest in the sport?

A: I've always felt the reason I found an interest in lacrosse is the combination of all the other sports that I love. There's the endurance factor of soccer, the contact you get in football and skill level of hockey and basketball.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is just starting to play lacrosse?

A: Enjoy the game. Enjoy all the different components. Enjoy stringing your stick, playing with your friends and figuring out what position is right for you. I wouldn't try and dedicate yourself too early. Let that passion kind of find you and you'll know when you get it.

Q: You've become the face of pro lacrosse. Did you ever dream you would find yourself earning that label?

A: No, I didn't. A goal of mine has always been to win at every level and win championships and be a part of great programs. Any way I can contribute to the growth of the sport and continue to promote myself and the rest of the lacrosse community is important.

Q: How important is it for professionals like yourself to promote the sport to the younger crowd?

A: I don't know that we look at it as a responsibility as much as just a passion. Giving back to kids that are supporting us in a way is incredibly important and something that we do because we care about doing it.